Nationwide sign language interpreting & communication access realtime translation services

INTENT OF NOTICE

This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) and Request for Information (RFI) and is for informational purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, QUOTATIONS, OR BIDS. Per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responses do not affect a potential offeror's ability to respond to any future synopsis/solicitation. The Government will not provide reimbursement for any information that may be submitted in response to this notice. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this notice. This notice is a market survey being conducted  to determine whether there are adequate Small Business contractors for the following proposed procurement, as well as collect any comments relating to the Performance Work Statement.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

This requirement is to provide interpreting services which facilitate communication between the DHOH population and the hearing population. The vendor shall provide SLI services as required for interpreter service requests from employees, applicants, guest and visitors of the offices and organizations serviced by the IRS. The vendor shall provide qualified and experienced sign language interpreters within the identified locations at a 97% or above fill rate (measured monthly). The vendor shall utilize appropriate methods, including but not limited to American Sign Language, Signed Exact English, Pidgin Sign language, Contact Sign, Close Vision, Oral, Legal, Protactile, and tactile for the Deaf-Blind, for the situation(s) and the individual(s) being served. The vendor shall provide interpreters who possess the required certifications and skills to ensure effective communication occurs, that the subject matter and attitudes of both parties are conveyed while transmitting all conversations and communications accurately and objectively.

The vendor will perform the services on an as needed basis.  The IRS will determine the frequency (ad hoc, on call, or daily) based the Agency’s need.

See attached Performance Work Statement for more information.

TYPE OF CONTRACT

The work under this contract is firm fixed price contract.

LOCATION OF SERVICES

Most be able to provide services to all IRS locations throughout the United States and its outlying areas.

ANTICIPATED CONTRACT SERVICE PERIODS

Base Period                                                    March 9, 2025 to March 8, 2026

Option Period 1                                              March 9, 2026 to March 8, 2027

Option Period 2                                              March 9, 2027 to March 8, 2028

Option Period 3                                              March 9, 2028 to March 8, 2029

Option Period 4                                              March 9, 2029 to March 8, 2030

Option to Extend Services (FAR 52.217-8)    March 9, 2030 to September 8, 2030

SIZE STANDARD

The applicable NAICS code is 541930, Translation and Interpretation Services, and the small business size standard is $22.5 million.

SELECTION/AWARD PROCEDURES

The award will be made utilizing a best value trade off methodology. The objective of the selection method is to select the proposals that represent the best value to the Government. The award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose proposal/quote conforms to the solicitation and offers the best value to the Government, considering the price and non-price factors. For this procurement, it is anticipated that the lowest priced technically acceptable proposal will be considered the best value to the government.

RESPONSE INFORMATION

Interested vendors shall complete the attached form no later than 12:00 PM on May 31, 2024 and return it to james.e.eckhardt@irs.gov along with a 1 page capability statement.

If the vendor has any comment as it pertains so the PWS they shall use and complete the attached excel file title “Request for Information Comments”. Please specify the page #, the section and the reference/language you are making comment to ensure the government may evaluate properly.

Responses to this announcement will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. All interested Small Business contractors are encouraged to submit responses. 

Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. After review of the information received, a solicitation may be published on www.Sam.Gov.  A determination by the Government to proceed with the acquisition as a set-aside is within the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer.